Untitled story (The night Sailor Steve Costigan fought Battling O’Rourke . . .)

Introduction

UNTITLED STORY (The night Sailor Steve Costigan fought Battling O’Rourke . . .). 700 words fragment

Appeared as THREE PERILS OF SAILOR COSTIGAN which consists of this story and two others:
UNTITLED STORY (“I had just hung by sparring partner, Battling O’Toole…”) and UNTITLED STORY (It was the end of the fourth round.).

This fragment showcases Costigan’s humble nature and introduces a mysterious figure whose hitting power supposedly surpasses that of boxing legends, igniting curiosity and intrigue about the identity and stories behind such a character.

Summary

In this electrifying fragment, we’re taken to a riveting moment in the world of boxing where Sailor Steve Costigan and Battling O’Rourke engage in a fierce and brief bout, electrifying a packed wharfside fight club. The fight, distinguished by its raw punching power, concludes swiftly with three devastating blows, leaving the crowd in a frenzied state. The aftermath finds Costigan, alongside his seconds and friends, in a reflective and somewhat despondent mood, despite his physical resilience to the injuries sustained.

Characters

  • Sailor Steve Costigan: The main character, a boxer with incredible strength and a humble perspective on his own abilities. Despite his victory, Costigan questions the true power behind his punches, comparing them to those of legendary figures and a mysterious, unparalleled hitter.
  • Battling O’Rourke: Costigan’s opponent, whose punches re-break Costigan’s nose and slice open his cheek, yet ultimately falls victim to Costigan’s formidable right hander.
  • Bill O’Brien: A rangy, black-haired Irishman, one of Costigan’s seconds and shipmates. He offers support and assistance to Costigan post-fight and is revealed to have sustained a rib injury from the same incredible force that damaged Bull Larsen.
  • Bull Larsen: A massive, square-headed Swede and another of Costigan’s seconds. He bears a unique dent in his skull, testament to the extraordinary power of the unnamed figure Costigan describes.
  • Jim (Narrator): A friend of Costigan, viewed by the latter as an oracle due to his “book learnin’.” Jim provides an outside perspective on the events, initially incredulous at Costigan’s claims about a hitter of unparalleled power.

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